Meet the Judges at the English Veterans Awards 2024

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Jason Davies, Head of Capability Growth & Business Development, CXC Group.

Jason is a Royal Navy veteran having served for 28 years within the Defence Medical Services. Operational experiences include Iraq, Afghanistan and leading a multidisciplinary healthcare team providing humanitarian support for the United Nations in South Sudan

For the last 5 years since leaving the Royal Navy, Jason has enjoyed working within the independent healthcare sector delivering transformation, leadership, management and regulatory programs. Now firmly back within the veteran community with CXC, Jason’s current role sees him responsible for identifying new talent, business opportunities, fostering strategic partnerships, and developing capability growth across the organization.

This is my first time on the judging panel and I am really looking forward to representing CXC in recognising the diverse talents and amazing achievements of my fellow veterans.

 

Sharon Hughes – Event Executive – Army Benevolent Fund

 The Army Benevolent Fund, the Army’s National Charity, supporting Soldiers, Veterans, and their families for life. I am the Events Executive for the Southeast Region, I work with a great team based in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.  My role is to plan and deliver fundraising events, this year we have raised funds for the charity, holding successful events at Windsor Castle, Royal Ascot, and the Pyrenees to mention a few.

I am excited to be invited to be part of the judging panel, good luck to all the candidates.

Angela Windsor, Founder of Print Inc Embroidery & Print and Tarw Sports

I am the MD and Founder of Print Inc Embroidery & Print and Tarw Sports, based in Wales.  Print Inc are specialists within the embroidery industry and supply branded clothing, workwear and uniform to companies and the Military across the UK and Ireland.  Tarw Sports specialises within the sports industry and supplies bespoke sports kit such as Rugby/ Football/ Netball to Triathlon kits to various teams and clubs from grass roots to professional levels in the community and Military.

Having worked and been personally linked to the Military for several years, I am extremely passionate about supporting the welfare of our veterans and  their families in the community.  As a company and individually we actively participate in fund raising events and awareness raising, this year and Abseil with the ABF Solders Charity.  I also founded the Shoe Box Appeal for Veterans and their families, which we will run again this Christmas after a very successful first year launch.

The Veteran Awards are such an important event in our annual calendar, and recognising the inspirational work and efforts of our Veterans who have gone above and beyond is such a privilege to be a part of.

Emily Matthews – Army Benevolent Fund

I am the Engagement Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, South East Office. I have the privilege of working with the Army, our County Committees, and supporters as we fundraise, organise events,  and bring Charity awareness to the region.  The ABF stands at the forefront of support for the Army family, being one of the largest funders in the sector. Last year we helped 75,000 people in 51 countries around the world. I am very proud to support soldiers, veterans, and their families for life.

It has been a pleasure to be on the judging panel for this year’s awards. To be part of a process that recognises the significant role veterans play in the community and business is an honour.  I am grateful to be able to play a part in acknowledging the sacrifice, commitment, and contribution so many wonderful people have made to our society.

Peter Lewis – Leader Connect 

Through my work alongside Leader-Connect, I am passionate about giving back to the veteran community and supporting fellow service members. After transitioning from my role as an Army officer (ex-REME) to a diverse career in coaching, leadership training, and entrepreneurship, I’ve made it my mission to empower others through real-world experience and no-nonsense guidance. My work, including authoring the book ‘Operation Civvy Street’ and creating the online ‘Military Mentor Programme’, is driven by a deep commitment to helping veterans navigate their post-military careers and thrive in civilian life. It’s an honour to serve as a judge for the Veterans Awards, where I can continue to support the Armed Forces community and play my small part in their journey.

Colin Robertson  –  Securitas      

Colin is a Royal Airforce Veteran.  Colin has over 30 years’ experience in the Retail and Distribution Industry. This has allowed him to live, work and travel all over the UK and Ireland

After early Retirement Colin, joined the security industry 10 years ago and is currently an alarm monitoring agent in the Securitas Operations Centre despatching the Emergency Services when required.

Colin is also A belonging Champion actively promoting a Diverse, Supportive and Inclusive workplace Culture within Securitas delivering our belonging programme across sites and is also a member of the Securitas Veteran’s group, with specific responsibility as the Chair of the Securitas Conscious Carers Network Group supporting the unpaid carers within the company offering a safe and supportive space to the 1 in 7 people who undertake unpaid care to family and Friends.

Colin maintains his military ties as a member of the Royal Naval Association actively supporting charity events to Raise monies for our 2 nominated Charities.  Hounds for Heroes and 101 Navel cadet Group.

Colin is looking forward to being on the judging panel for the 2024 English Veterans Awards.

 

 

Sue Dorney MCTHA, Strongmind Resiliency Training 

Sue is a British Army veteran, where she served as an Experimental Assistant in Gunnery. She is the Co-founder and Director of Strongmind Resiliency training with over 30 years of experience in business administration and project management. During the first Gulf War in 1991 she was an Assistant Casualty Visiting Officer. Making her very familiar with the stresses experienced by people particularly those in public services.

Sue is really looking forward to meeting all the inspirational people at the Veterans Awards night!

Lucy Johnson, Chief Executive, Army Flying Museum

Lucy Johnson is the Chief Executive of the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop in Hampshire. The Army Flying Museum tells the story of the British Army in the air, from the early days of the Royal Flying Corps through the Glider Pilot Regiment and Air Observation Post to the modern Army Air Corps we have today. This year saw the Museum permanently display the first Apache AH-Mk.1 helicopter in Europe to complete the story of the development of the attack helicopter.

 The Army Flying Museum takes great pride in supporting the serving and veteran communities through events and admission, as well as having a significant number of veterans within the staff and volunteer teams. In 2024, the Museum achieved the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Employer Award. The Museum team work closely with the Army Air Corps to ensure the heritage of the Corps is being recorded for future generations and our mission is to help share those stories with the wider community.

 Lucy is honoured to have been asked to act as a Judge this year and is looking forward to hearing about all the amazing achievements and how veterans have contributed so positively to our community.

Rob Shaw – Business Development Manager and joint owner of Money and Me Solicitors Ltd (MMS).
Having spent 22 years in the financial services sector, I then opted to move into the world of financial claims. I joined Money and Me Claims Ltd in 2016, which then morphed into Money and Me Solicitors in 2020. At this point I took the opportunity to invest in, and own part of the company.
MMS specialise in recovering losses caused by poor financial advice, particularly pension transfer advice, which over the years has seen the UK public, including thousands of our Armed Forces personnel, lose out substantially.
The team and I are not only extremely proud of our track record, but just as important, the way we treat our Clients, often being the ‘go to’ reliable, honest, friendly voice at the end of the phone. The way we work, and the results we achieve, make a huge positive impact on the financial (and often mental) wellbeing of our (Armed Forces) Clients.
Although my colleagues and I have supported our Armed Forces charities many times over by attending events, sponsorship and fundraising, being part of the English Veterans awards is a first for me. I am very much looking forward to meeting the finalists, hearing their stories, and what positive impact they have made on others.

Nia-Wyn Evans  – Senior Associate Solicitor

I am a specialist military solicitor at Hugh James, based at our London office. I work within the military team representing serving and former military personnel.

Hugh James have proudly sponsored the Veteran Awards since its launch in 2019. I have been fortunate to be invited as a panel member for the awards since its launch and continue to be taken back by the incredible nominations submitted.

I look forward to further celebrating the success and contributions of the military community at the English Veterans Awards towards the end of this month.

Allan Doak – Materials Logistics and Purchasing Manager

Allan is a proud veteran how served 12 years with the Royal Air Force supporting the Nimrod Fleet both at home and abroad, as well as other out of area deployments.  Allan left the military in 1998 joining SERCo Defence whilst undertaking various training courses with a view to joining the Oil and Gas Industry.  Allan has held various positions with Operators on Drilling Campaigns and he now works for oil and gas operator Serica Energy as the Materials Logistics and Purchasing Manager and is a member of their Armed Forces Support Group whose mission is to support their veterans, reservists and forces families, whilst also raising industry awareness of the great benefits of employing veterans. The Group also provide funding and fundraising for various military charities and are a founding member and co-chair of the Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) Armed Forces Working Group.

Allan is honoured to join the judging panel for the English Veterans Awards this year and to see the fantastic achievements of the shortlisted finalists.

Sally Orange MBE – Current English Veterans Awards Champion
Sally is a former Army physiotherapist turned multi-record-breaking adventure athlete, devoted mental health campaigner and inspirational speaker.
Medically discharged with severe depression and anxiety after 22 years’ service, her transition to civilian life has seen her not just turn things around, but go on to demonstrate exactly what can be achieved when passion and purpose are present.
Running over 80 marathons, cycling across America and raising almost £1million are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to showcasing Sally’s amazing endurance feats and achievements, that she now shares with others in a bid to change the conversation on mental ill health.
Sally was extremely proud to win the ‘Role Model of the Year’ category and went on to be crowned the overall 2023 English Veteran of the Year.
She is delighted to have been invited to be a judge for the 2024 English Veterans Awards and celebrate the finalists achievements.